LIONEL MESSI’S father and agent Jorge has admitted it will be “difficult” for the footballer to stay at Barcelona.
Messi Sr has jetted in to Barcelona from Argentina for showdown talks over his son’s future.
Lionel Messi’s father is hoping to negotiate his son’s release from BarcelonaCredit: AFP or licensors
Messi, 33, last week stunned Barca bosses after handing in a transfer request, signalling his intent to leave the club after 16 seasons.
And as he was entering the club offices, he admitted to El Chiringuito TV that his son is highly likely to leave the club.
Jorge was set to meet club president Josep Maria Bartomeu later this afternoon, but that is now taking place this morning.
Messi is now locked in dispute with the Spanish giants over after claiming that a release clause in his contract allows him to quit for nothing with immediate effect.
Nou Camp officials believe the stipulation expired on June 10, with the Argentine superstar under contract until the summer of 2021.
And LaLiga have backed the Catalan giants, insisting Messi’s €700millon (£629m) buy-out clause is still valid.
He is now locked in dispute with the Spanish giants over after claiming that a release clause in his contract allows him to quit for nothing with immediate effect.
Nou Camp officials believe the stipulation expired on June 10, with the Argentine superstar under contract until the summer of 2021.
And LaLiga have backed the Catalan giants, insisting Messi’s €700millon (£629m) buy-out clause is still valid.
Jorge Messi is in Barcleona to discuss his son’s future
Jorge has jetted into Barcelona to discuss his son’s futureCredit: EPA
Lionel Messi could make a sensational move to Manchester CityCredit: EPA
The incredible deal would make Messi the highest-paid individual in the history of the sport.
It equates to £14,200 an hour, £341,000 per day, £2.4m every week and a whopping £10.4m per month.
Messi would spend three seasons at the Etihad before joining City Football Group’s Major League Soccer side New York City FC for two years.
It is also reported the player could be offered an equity stake in CFG as part of his package.
The fallout from the transfer saga has led to Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu facing calls from fans to step down.
Victor Font, a candidate to replace him, insisted Bartomeu must honour his pledge to allow Messi or anyone else to leave if they wish to do so.
Font explained: “A couple of months ago the president said players have earned the right to leave and retire whenever they want.
“Now, because of these very exceptional circumstances, he has to honour that commitment.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
